12:37am

Hey nerds uwu this is me, Satan, Logan, Lucifer - ( -Satan_- - ) writing for my wonderful friend, Oliver/Bob!
Why?
Because I wanted to
And he threatened me :( [Bob here, no Logan's were harmed in the making of this oneshot >:)]
(Kidding kidding he's great show him love!)

Au
—

"Virgil, I agreed when you said you couldn't marry a woman, I agreed when you requested more than royalty, I agreed when you suggested villagers! But please, son, you still haven't chosen anyone and we're running out of time" his father begged with his arms crossed over his chest, yet soft expression on his face. Virgil looked up from his book but didn't meat his gaze - he knew he was right but it wasn't his fault he hasn't taken alike to any of the strangers his parents have courted for him - no matter what, he couldn't click. They could waltz on in with the most expensive gifts, or a simple fruit, yet...nothing.

Virgil began to lose hope the third time around, but his parents were determined. After all, he should be too, otherwise they'd have to wait five years before this chance comes again and unfortunately Virgil didn't know whether his father would live long enough for that or not. While his mother could handle the wedding he really wanted both parents to be there - but he couldn't force himself to marry someone he can't grow to love.

"I know, dad" he murmured, hearing his father sigh and cross the room, sitting on the bed beside him. Virgil finally looked up to his golden brown face, peach coloured lines and dots glowing with concern. The royal family were a very special, rare species of human - one that doesn't simply show up in the wild, even after years and years. They have specific genes unseen in anyone else, giving them distinct features on their face. Biological males had two lines pulling upwards on both cheeks, with four circles underlining the eyes - biological females had the same four lines, but rather had five circles above and across both their eyebrows. They stuck out slightly and were rigid, all not straying too far from a simple peach colour, however glowed when an emotion was felt so strongly.

"I want you to choose a man you will love forever" he emphasised, squeezing his shoulder reassuringly. "But find that man soon" although it wasn't that simple, Virgil knew his father meant the best - while the older man left the room Virgil looked down at his hardcover book and gripped it tighter, his face glowing with the determination that flood through him.

Tonight was the last ball his parents would host for this specific reason; courting Virgil a partner. And he would find himself a future husband tonight; no matter what.

Later that afternoon, an hour before he'd start to get ready, he trailed around the large garden behind their grand castle - it was often opened to the villagers but not tonight, right now their servants were setting up the decorations for the ball with, thankfully, plenty of time to do so. It was mostly last minute touches but due to having so long they managed to change quite a bit to bring it to perfection; like every time.

He complimented a few that came into his earshot, other than that he stayed to himself. He didn't often get the garden completely alone but with no one occupying the lower end he took advantage.

Taking a seat on the simple, small yet sturdy tree swing he made as a child he pushed the ground and swung gently through the breeze, leaning his cheek on the pale rope. In his most recent years he had wondered what it would like to settle down with someone - quite often he found himself envious of the villagers who could marry at any age they wanted - he had a time slot and had to stick to it, or the royal blood line would falter.

His mother was the daughter of the king and queen prior, she found and married her husband after a few months of knowing each other - a frequent occurrence for each generation - his father wasn't royalty before this, so he didn't have any of the marks on his face, however once blessed and gifted by the royal parents they formed a few nights later. It created a deeper bond between the wedded couple and strengthened the royal gene. Children born to a royal formed their marks a few weeks after birth, but Virgil wasn't too worried he (or his future husband) wouldn't be able to produce kids. They could easily adopt and gift the child through the same procedure, it wasn't specifically for the bride or groom.

Sometimes it was...hard to imagine. Stricken with self-esteem issues he simply couldn't see anyone wanting to be with him, or falling truly in love with him and instead asking for his hand in marriage to simply be apart of the royal family. It wasn't like they'd be 'lesser', either, as both rulers were respected and cherished an equal amount, even if sometimes the villagers had a bias to the ruler born into the family, rather than gifted.

He sighed, the swing slowly coming to a stop. He would be forever grateful he was privileged with such a life as this he just wished it wasn't plagued with so much stress.

He returned to his room after thinking some more, finding his mother in one of her beautiful dresses - she adored each one she owned and often never wore anything other. "Oh, Virgil" she smiled, picking up the fabric as to not trip as she rushed to her son and pulled him into a hug. "My storm, don't feel pressured into anything, okay?" She bent down a little and brushed his cheek with her thumb, "you'll find the right person for you in time, and your father would much rather that than you marrying a man you'll be unhappy with" Virgil managed a slight smile, he loved his mother so, so much. He loved his father too. He was graced with the best parents he could ask for.

"Thank you, that...makes me feel better" he responded truthfully, even if it still weighed on his heart painfully, the idea of his father passing on before watching his only son wed the man he'd love.

"I'm glad, now" she turned and headed back to his tall wardrobe, riffling through his clothes. Virgil smirked lightly and sat on his bed to watch, knowing she'd pick out the perfect outfit like always. "Let's find my storm his beautiful suit" she grinned, knowing she made her son flustered. He huffed and covered his red face with his hands, smiling wide at the sound of her soft, gentle loving laughter.

After a few minutes she pulled out the pure black trousers and jacket, laying them on the bed beside him with a sneaky grin. He rose his eyebrow, "what...?" He drifted, knowing she had something planned. "Well, this is the last one for awhile so I thought I'd treat you" she explained, face glowing with excitement. She hurried up the room and pulled something out from underneath Virgil's pillow, hiding it behind her back quick and grinning happily at her son who closed his eyes without needing to be asked.

"You know me so well" she cooed, sitting beside him again and placing the gift on his outstretched hands.

"Open!"

Virgil did so and gasped lightly, staring at the deep purple fabric in his hands. Unfolding it he realised it was a button up shirt, like his white ones but this was his favourite colour...

With a wobbly smile he leaned against his mom for a hug which she happily returned, careful not to crush the gift. "I'm glad you like it - change quick, now!" She kissed his forehead, gazed into his eyes for a few seconds and left, shutting the door behind her.

He sniffled and looked down at his clothes; what did he do to get so lucky? He didn't care about the royalty, the wealth, the castle, anything - he cared about his family.

Ten minutes later he left his room and found his mother inside of hers, sitting at her vanity with her makeup set out neatly. Spotting her son in the mirror she turned around and gasped, rising up and holding her hands over her might. "Virgil...." she smiled widely, "you look beautiful, storm"

"Aw, mom..stop" he whined, covering his face too late - she saw that blush!

Giggling she gave him a preppy side hug, then tilted his head up and kissed his nose. "I have the perfect idea for you! Come, sit, sit" she encouraged, taking him to the seat she had pulled up beside him. "I found this in the village today and thought it would be perfect" she explained, lifting up a small, clay pot patterned with splatters of colour - something that would catch his mother's eye instantly.

Taking off the lid, she placed it down and plucked one of her brushes out from her collection, dusting it through the powder in the pot and slowly lifting it up to Virgil's face. "Closed eyes, Storm" she encouraged which he did after a fond eye roll, relaxing at the feeling of the brush tracing the marks on his face. The marks were particularly sensitive in that they could release such a relaxing feeling if they were touched - which happened to the young man, slumped comfortably in the chair.

His mother giggled every so often but mostly kept quiet, pink tongue poked from the corner of her mouth in concentration. Five minutes later she was complete, after wiping away any excess. "You can look!" She watched his face closely for his reaction, Virgil focused on the mirror and gasped once again, leaning closer to see his marks were no longer peach but purple...

"It's only makeup" his mother explained, "you'll have to take it off before you sleep but...I thought it would match your outfit! And this" she opened a draw and pulled out a white bow tie, wrapping it around Virgil's neck and tying it perfectly while Virgil watched, a fond, loving gleam in his eyes - so much so his marks glowed under the makeup, still as prominent but now an awesome shade of violet.

"Thanks, mom, this is...thank you" he held her hands, a little lost for words. She giggled and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek, avoiding the marks. "My beautiful son - I want you to be the prettiest there!"

"I think that's taken by you" her husband suddenly spoke up, entering the room with a soft smile. She stood up and threw her arms around him in a hug, Virgil adored how she had to lean down ever so slightly to kiss him. "Doesn't he look great" she gushed, staring at her son who blushed and stood up, awkwardly scratching his neck.

"Handsome as always, now stop embarrassing him" he joked, she huffed but agreed, allowing him to leave the room and take himself towards the room not too far away from the grand staircase. Usually once all the guests had arrived he and his parents would walk down together - nothing much was changing today, other than Virgil looking incredible. More so than he did the last balls.

Easily passing the time with his books it wasn't long before he was called by his parents and he felt a shudder run down his spine, it was nerve wracking to walk down with everyone staring, his worst worry was tripping and getting laughed at by everyone, still...it was too late to back out now.

Straightening his bow tie he left the room and down the short hallway to where his parents stood, waiting for their son.

"Ready?" His father asked, stepping aside to allow Virgil to stand between them. He took in a breath, held it, and slowly let go. "Yeah.." he managed, smiling weakly when his mom slipped her hand into his, squeezing it reassuringly. "We invited more people this time, as many as we could. Good luck, storm" she pressed a kiss to the crown of his head before the three began their entrance, coming around the corner and gaining everyone's attention quickly. The music rose ever so slightly as they descended together to cut off conversation, right until they reached the last step and were neared by the guests.

"Find him" his father sent him a smile and he nodded, parting from the forming crowd to slip through the gaps, eyes peeled for a potential man. He didn't simply go off looks, whenever he caught sight of someone he'd listen to his gut - and if it told him; not him, he'd move on until he had no choice. Searching for someone seemingly his age was much harder, they weren't exactly too old but being one of the youngest adults in the room (twenty two) it was rather difficult to find.

Like usual he was either stopped and talked to or he found a boy and started up a conversation - unfortunately each and every time he didn't feel it, nothing clicked! He particularly hated catching either of his parents gaze in the sea of people and gently shake his head - he didn't want to let them down again! The slot for being gifted only opened up every five years and he wouldn't let it go, even if that meant talking to everyone.

He crossed the room with steady determination, about to talk to someone when another quickly caught his attention, "ah, the son of the king himself!" His voice boomed and alerted some nearby eyes but only for a glance. Virgil stared up at the man and inwardly winced - an older man, late forties, from the town nearby (a wealthier area). Not many liked him due to his...ideals, views. For whatever reason he saw it obvious men should have more power - an odd mindset, certainly not encouraged - the king had spoken to him numerous times but he wouldn't change for anyone. Luckily no one agreed with him.

"Looking for the perfect partner, hm? I can assure you, you'll do better with a woman at your command"

Virgil rolled his eyes, "listen-" he began but something else caught his eye, someone else specifically who was standing beside the older man's side. Their head was ducked submissively and had their hands held behind their back. "Who's this?" He changed the conversation, the odd-man looked down and grinned.

"Ah! A simple lonely boy I found, he was willing to be my...servant, you could say, for the night. To help me get around and fetch me a new drink when I would need it" he explained which calmed Virgil down who's thoughts instantly dove to the worst.

"Speaking of" he pulled his face at his empty glass, "boy? Fill this for me, the same as last time" he handed the 'boy' the drink who took it with a gentle nod, leaving his side to the table of refreshments. "Boy? Doesn't he have a name?" Virgil asked rather bitterly, the odd-man laughed, shaking his head. "Who cares? You should really start thinking about the important things, Virgil. I know your slot to be wedded is coming up rather quickly. If you need any help, I know a few perfect candidates" with a wink Virgil watched with narrowed eyes as he took the drink from the 'boy' without so much as a thank you, instantly the boy's arms returned to behind his back and Virgil wondered if he was safe...he knew for certain he wasn't being treated nicely and that made his blood boil.

Before he could follow the odd-man, Virgil reached out and gripped his forearm. He flinched a little, then looked at Virgil in surprise. "I apologise, sir, have I done something wrong?"

"No, no" Virgil shook his head, took a quick glance around the room and gestured for him to follow which he did with some reluctance, finding orders from the Prince more powerful than of the man paying him. They left the crowded room to a hallway, leading to the back of the castle, right to the garden which was occupied by groups of people.

They stood on the porch together, Virgil leaning on cobble wall with the man beside him. "Are you...okay?" He asked, worrying his lip between his teeth. He could barely stand that odd-man's presence for more than a second, he couldn't imagine what this poor man's had to deal with.

"I am perfectly fine" he responded, voice flat, lacking emotion along with his eyes now Virgil had a proper look. That only piqued his interest.

"I'm Virgil, friends call me Virge" he introduced, knowing everyone knew his name but he hated assuming they did, it made him feel pretentious.

"My name is Logan, your majesty" he responded, shaking Virgil's outstretched hand. The young man quickly shook his head, "oh, no, don't call me that" he waved off with a chuckle, "just...Virgil's fine"

Logan seemed a little surprised, "are you sure?"

"Positive" he nodded and Logan nodded too, lowering his eyes back down to the ground. Virgil hated how trained he seemed to be. "Wanna go for a walk?" Virgil suggested, still feeling too close to the ball room. "Me and you?" Logan asked for confirmation and Virgil nodded, "yeah, unless you wanna go back inside...?" He suggested, feeling a bit bad he led him here without asking first, but he wanted to get away from that odd-man.

"That sounds nice" he agreed and Virgil tugged the corner of his lips into a smile, one Logan caught and stared at. "We could go to the end, no one ever goes down there" Virgil explained besides Logan, the two heading down the marble staircase and across the gravel pathway. "So.." he drifted, glancing at his companion who stared at the ground.

"How did that guy find you?" He started conversation, hoping Logan would be comfortable to respond. If he found out the odd-man did hurt Logan he'd be sure to ban him from coming anywhere Logan, or his soon-to-be-land, again. Call him cruel but he already feels rather protective over this seemingly vulnerable man.

"I was shining shoes when he came by and offered me a job later that day - this evening - I would be his 'personal servant' and he would pay me tomorrow" he explained and Virgil believed him. "How about I pay you double now and you get home safely? I...I don't like that dude" Virgil offered, Logan stopped their walk to state at him in shock. "You...want to give me money? But I have not done anything for you-"

"You don't need to do anything, you're company is enough, I guess...uh...you seem like a good guy, Lo" he complimented awkwardly, a little flustered along with Logan who's cheeks dusted pink. He cleared his throat, pushing his tie closer to his neck. "Thank you, your-...Virgil. This would mean a lot"

"Don't worry about it, uh..." he looked down the pathway, spotting a bench not too far away. "Come on" he pointed to it and Logan contently obliged, now technically not under the rules of that man he didn't need to keep his head down (which was nice, as it became rather uncomfortable). The two sat down beside each other under the moon light, instantly Logan's eyes shot up to the stare at the stars and Virgil smiled at the sight - he couldn't help but think that was adorable.

"D'you know about stars?" He asked, Logan nodded. "I do, see that cluster..?" And he was quick to ramble about all the constellations he could see on that clear night. Virgil didn't really understand a lot, he never had a fascination with it, but watching Logan's face morph into light after obviously ranting about something he enjoyed was hard to tear his eyes from - plus, how fast he fell into spewing facts was rather adorable.

"So, you're smart, huh?" Virgil grinned once the man finally finished and Logan cleared his throat, folding his hands in his lap. "I suppose I am, yes. I simply read whenever I can. The library in the village has many books about space, and the stars. I...have been interested since I was young" he explained further, this time personal, and Virgil nodded. While he was pointing at the stars earlier Virgil (unfortunately) spotted a ring on his wedding finger - but he found he enjoyed Logan's presence either way, so didn't leave his side to continue his search. Besides, at this point he thinks it's over.

"Who's the lucky one?" He changed subject after a brief settle of silence. Logan stared at him curiously, making a noise of understanding when he gestured to his ring.

"Ah, no one"

Virgil rose his eyebrow, then horror washed over his face. "Oh, Lo, I'm so sorry-"

"No, no, it is not what you think" Logan cut him off, shifting his torso to face him better. "It was my sister's ring. While..." he swallowed, "while on her death bed she took it off and slid it onto this finger. When she realised we laughed about it but neither of us moved it..." he fiddled with the band ring encrusted with rose coloured jewels and sighed. "I haven't found the heart to move it" he added and Virgil shuffled closer.

"I'm sorry, Lo...do you...what was she like?"

Logan's eyes met his, a brief of a smile flashed across his lips. "She was wonderful. We grew up together close, as our parents weren't necessarily in the picture. She was my elder by two years and cared for me whenever she could. She could handle herself well and even as she slowly deteriorated after catching a terrible illness, she was still strong, strong till..." Virgil detected the light hitch in his breath, "strong till the end" voice quietened considerably Virgil knew it best not to make him continue.

"She sounds great" he smiled to lighten the mood, Logan nodded. "She had always wanted to me the royals" then he looked up at Virgil again, wearing an almost timid smile. "She would have liked you" and Virgil felt honoured at something so simple. "Not many people have treated me with kindness due to my lack of emotions, or...outward emotions. So, thank you, Virgil" he spoke so monotonously yet sincerely Virgil felt his heart melt like honey.

"Oh, Lo, they suck...but you'll always have a friend with me" he reached over and squeezed his shoulder reassuringly, drawing it back a few seconds later. "We...we are friends?" He asked, surprised. Virgil nodded, "duh, why'd I pass that up? You're cool, Lo" with anyone else he would've been sincerely awkward but he felt it easy to say whatever before this man.

"I-...thank you, again" Logan stammered, rubbing his reddening cheeks. "I have never had a friend before"

Although that pained him, Virgil still managed a smile, shuffling closer once again. "I'm glad I'm your first"

And, after a moment, Logan smiled. "I am too"

The two, now with their thighs just touching, leaned back and talked about anything they could think of - they described elements from their passes and potential futures, Virgil avidly avoiding the whole marriage thing for now...if Logan was available he didn't want to scare him off with such an early suggestion. They had plenty of time to get close before then.

It seemed hours passed between the two who had enjoyed each other's company so much so they didn't realise the ball was coming to an end. "Ah" Virgil chuckled, noticing people retreating inside across the garden. "You should probably start going home, y'know...I don't want you to walk home too late"

Logan's heart warmed at the implication that he cared. "Yes, I will. Will we see each other again?" He seemed hopeful and Virgil grinned, nudging their shoulders together. "I'll find you again, don't worry about that, Lo"

After giving him the money promised, Virgil sent him off with a goodbye and a wave.

Soon he found his parents and beamed up at them happily.

"I think I found the one"

—
Hope you liked it? :)

2:26am